Augusto M Martinez Sr.

Born in La Punta Callao, Peru Augusto graduated from its military academy and was a member of its Navy. He traveled the world from Italy to Japan.

He came to the United States at the age of 20 and became a proud citizen. Augusto was employed at the Plaza Hotel from 1959 until his retirement in 1994 as the head electrician. During the Plaza’s heyday he was the lighting engineer for the Beatle’s first visit to the country in 1964 where they gave him a signed album. He did the lighting for several US presidential visits notably President Nixon and Broadway stars such as Carol Channing would send him Christmas cards every year.

He also owned a bar/restaurant in NYC in the 1980’s.

He played semi-pro soccer in his native Peru where he was considered a top prospect and in NYC. He was past president of the Queen’s soccer league. His love for the game never left him.

On his days off he loved building things. He always had a tool box.

He loved the water and was an avid fisherman. He would often reminisce of his time as a young teen when he would ride on horse back with his grandfather through the Amazon to the Pacific Ocean where they would board a ship to the southern port of Peru.

He will be remembered not only for his athletic abilities but also his wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his sons Augusto, Jr and wife Diane, David, Sr. and wife Barbara and Theodore and his daughters Monica Martinez-Bundy and husband Ricardo and Carolina Martinez and by his sister Carmen Panta and brother-in-law Raul as well as many nieces and nephews. He was loved by his 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grand children.

He was predeceased in life by his mother Zoila, father Theodoro, step mother Dolores, his two brothers Miguel and Antonio and son in law Herman Ramirez.

Visiting is on Friday, August 2, 2019 from 3-9 at Harmon Funeral Home located at 571 Forest Ave., Staten Island, NY 10310